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Flying United: Thoughts About the AzusaNow and UnitedCry Prayer Events Held Last Weekend on Opposite Coasts in the U.S.

Aimee Herd-Opinion : Apr 12, 2016  Breaking Christian News

"Behold how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity..." (Psalm 133)

This past Saturday, there were two major prayer-related events that were vitally important to America: UnitedCry DC16 and AzusaNow2016. (Photo: Aimee Herd-BCN)

They happened on opposite coasts and differing layouts, but were linked both electronically—via the internet—and (most importantly) in heart.

That heart and spirit was one of unity; of coming together as the whole Body of Christ.

And while I've noticed that some Christian family members (likely not attendees of the events) seem quite content remaining fractured, they should remember that it is God's own desire that we Believers become one. (Photo: UnitedCry DC16 Facebook page)

Perhaps the motto that is the DNA of this country says it most succinctly; "E Pluribus Unum" (out of many, one).

Jesus prayed for this as He knew what lay ahead, not just for Himself but also for His followers. Just before His arrest in John chapter 17, Jesus prayed to His (and our) Father, first for His Disciples and then for all who come to Him and believe:

"I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me." (John 17:20-23) (Screengrab via AzusaNow Livestream/YouTube)

This is the prayer of One who knew He was about to die. In that circumstance, I'd say you're going to pray the thing that is most important; you're going to say the words you really want your friends and family to remember.

During UnitedCry DC16, pastors and other Christian leaders from all backgrounds gathered at the Lincoln Memorial in a solemn assembly of unity, addressing and praying over the racial tensions throughout the country, as well as issues like abortion, same-sex marriage and the brokenness of families, according to a report by Christian Today. (Photo courtesy Alveda King)

UnitedCry DC16 was reportedly a precious and powerful time of "repentance, sanctification and racial reconciliation" that even included a footwashing between Christian leaders of various races—including members of Dr. Martin Luther King's family; and a "mantle passing ceremony."

One of the pastors taking part, Bishop Harry Jackson, commented, "We are in a time where there is a desire by the forces of darkness to rip asunder our unity, dignity and cause strife. We want to focus on honoring the dream of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and inspire others to be bridges of hope."

At the same time, some 3,000 miles away, AzusaNow was taking place in the LA Coliseum, where many cultures, races, denominations, and generations came together to pray for unity in the Body of Christ, and to worship the Lord in that same spirit of family. (Photo: Aimee Herd-BCN)

I was not present at UnitedCry, but I imagine the atmosphere was the same, as at AzusaNow—which I did attend—where the unity was palpable, tangible, and every attendee-stranger and speaker with whom I came in contact had the same expression of love.

Will these events make a difference in America? They already are, evidenced by the fact that a very secular, highly-esteemed magazine has taken notice, putting Jesus on the cover of Newsweek! (Photo: Courtesy/via Charisma)

I've read many comments regarding these events from Believers who did not attend, and who seem to feel their calling is to call into question (or openly mock) almost every aspect of them—from the lighting and intensity of the music, to the playing of cultural drums, to the fact that there was a stage at all (though I'm not sure how anyone would be able to see what was going on if there wasn't).

What they all overlook is the incredible God-blessed unity in Jesus' name that was present from coast-to-coast because of these events... if only for a day. But it's a beginning. (Photo: Aimee Herd-BCN)

As a parent, I can say I am RADICALLY BLESSED AND HAPPY when I see my two children getting along, and working together with one heart of love toward themselves and others.

Doesn't Father-God feel the same way? Can we not lay aside things that don't matter in the scope of eternity for the things that do? (Screengrab via AzusaNow Livestream/YouTube)

I close with Jesus' words again, because who could say it better?

"O righteous Father! The world has not known You, but I have known You; and these have known that You sent Me. And I have declared to them Your name, and will declare it, that the love with which You loved Me may be in them, and I in them." (John 17:25-26)

Amen!







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